Bryan R. Friebel

Bryan “Freebs” or “B” Friebel, 33, Jackson, WI, passed away Saturday afternoon, September 5, 2015 at his home, surrounded by the people who loved and cherished him. He fought a courageous 4 ½ year battle with ALS, an incurable disease commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Born on September 11, 1981, he is the son of Robert and Nancy (Denis) Friebel. Bryan grew up in De Pere and graduated from De Pere High School in 2000. He then went on to college receiving his degree in Criminal Justice from UW-Milwaukee in 2004. He was a very hard worker and had a strong work ethic. After graduating from college Bryan worked for Exteriors Unlimited Landscape Contractors in Mequon until his ALS progressed to disability in 2012. He grew up playing organized baseball in De Pere and was on the varsity baseball team at De Pere High School. In college he loved to run and work out at the gym. His favorite sports involved being on the water: fishing, boating and jet skiing. Cottage neighbors at Breezy Acres looked forward to his dare devil performances on his jetski. Bryan was very intelligent and quick witted. He was known for his sharp sense of humor and beautiful smile; it was a smile that makes you smile. His sisters and friends loved to share stories with him to make him smile and laugh. He especially liked to hear stories about his godchild Will. Bryan is survived by his soulmate, Colleen Boltz, his parents, Robert and Nancy, his two sisters, Melissa (Joel) Torgerson, Michelle Friebel and Raj Patel, his niece Maya Torgerson, his nephew William Torgerson, his godparents, Mark Friebel, and Ann and John Denis, he is further survived by many relatives and friends. Bryan will be greatly missed by his canine friend, Reese, who has been his faithful companion through this difficult journey. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Joseph and Lucille Friebel and his maternal grandparents Leland and Eunice Denis. According to Bryan’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will not be any visitation or funeral. Instead, he wants to have a party as a celebration of life. The celebration will take place on his birthday, September 11, 2015 at Friess Lake Fireman’s Park, 1514 Lake Drive, Richfield, WI 53033 from 4:00 – 9:00 PM. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Abby Glawe and Colleen Boltz for taking such wonderful care of Bryan, especially the past six months. Their care made it possible for him to stay at home throughout his illness. This year’s Walk to Defeat ALS is October 11, 2015 in Milwaukee. Bryan and his family and friends have participated each of the past three years raising thousands of dollars to fight for a cure for ALS. This year our team will walk in memory of Bryan. If you wish to join us with a pledge, please go on the ALSAWI.org website and look for upcoming events. Click on The Milwaukee Walk to Defeat ALS and Join a Team. Bryan’s Team is “Friends of Freebs”.